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Choreographer

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Choreographers are creative professionals who design and direct dance routines and movement sequences for performances in theatres, television, film, music videos, and live events. Their role involves working with dancers and performers to develop new pieces, rehearse routines, and ensure that every movement fits the artistic vision of a production. Choreographers often collaborate closely with directors, producers, costume designers, and lighting technicians to create compelling performances. Many choreographers also teach and mentor aspiring dancers, whether in educational settings or private studios. The job can be highly rewarding for those passionate about dance and creativity, but it can also involve irregular hours, travel, and freelance work.

Choreographer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Choreographers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and the type of employer.

Job Openings

There are around 2,000 professional choreographers working in the UK, with new positions often advertised by dance companies, theatres, and schools.

Employment Sectors

Choreographers are employed in sectors such as theatre, television, film, music videos, and education.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Ballet Choreographer

Creates dance routines specifically for ballet performances, working with ballet dancers and companies to develop new works or adapt classics.

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Musical Theatre Choreographer

Designs and teaches dance sequences for musical theatre productions, collaborating closely with directors and performers.

Dance Company Rehearsal Director

Oversees rehearsals for a professional dance company, teaching choreography and ensuring dancers perform routines accurately and artistically.

Build Dance Skills

Take Dance Classes

Attend regular dance lessons in a variety of styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, or street dance.

Enrolling in dance classes from a young age helps develop your movement skills, rhythm, and technique. Try different styles to discover your preferences and broaden your abilities. Local dance schools, community centres, and after-school clubs often offer a range of options.

Join Dance Groups

Participate in school or local dance groups, youth theatres, or amateur performances to gain teamwork and performance experience.

Being part of a group allows you to learn from others, perform in front of audiences, and start understanding how routines come together. This is also a good opportunity to start experimenting with choreographing small sections yourself.

Gain Choreography Experience

Create Your Own Routines

Start designing short dance routines for yourself, friends, or classmates.

Try choreographing for school shows, talent competitions, or community events. This practical experience will help you learn how to communicate your ideas and adapt to different dancers’ abilities.

Study Choreography

Learn about the principles of choreography and famous choreographers through books, videos, and online resources.

Understanding the theory behind choreography, such as spatial design, timing, and the relationship between music and movement, will strengthen your creative process. Watching professional routines and analysing what makes them effective is also valuable.

Pursue Professional Training

Take Advanced Dance Qualifications

Consider A-levels, BTECs, or diplomas in dance, followed by a university degree or conservatoire training specialising in dance or choreography.

Many choreographers complete formal training at colleges or universities, such as a BA in Dance or Choreography. These courses provide in-depth knowledge, practical opportunities, and connections within the performing arts industry.

Build a Portfolio

Create a showreel or portfolio showcasing your choreography work to share with potential employers or collaborators.

Document your routines and performances with video recordings and photographs. A strong portfolio will help you secure work, apply for grants, or audition for choreographer roles.

Launch Your Career

Network and Find Opportunities

Connect with dance companies, theatres, and production groups to find freelance or employed work as a choreographer.

Attend industry events, workshops, and auditions. Consider starting out as an assistant choreographer or working on small productions to build your reputation. Joining professional organisations, such as One Dance UK, can also provide support and opportunities.

Keep Learning and Innovating

Stay updated with new dance trends and continue developing your own style and skills.

The world of dance and choreography is always evolving. Take part in professional development, attend performances, and collaborate with other artists to keep your work fresh and inspiring.

🎬 Useful Videos

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Production Assistant Apprentice

BIG HEAD CONTENT LIMITED

( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

This role is integral to the production process, requiring a proactive individual who can handle various administrative and logistical tasks. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the industry, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 01 Dec 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

LONDON VESTA COLLEGE LTD

( Added 12 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Are you a creative, ambitious, and driven individual? Looking to launch your career in Digital Content Production? Then this role is PERFECT for you! London Vesta College are looking to recruit a Content Creator Apprentice to join their team and assist with duties such as developing written and audiovisual content, plus much more.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Audio visual apprentice

DISPLAY MANAGER LTD

( Added 18 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Northern Skills is recruiting on behalf of Display Manager Ltd for an audiovisual technician apprentice. You would primarily be working on site as part of a team delivering high-quality corporate AV solutions in both first fix (construction site) and second fix (finished premises) environments.

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

ART CLASSES GROUP LIMITED

( Added 18 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

An opportunity to work as a Content Creator. Working in our art organisation will provide a real-world experience in a dynamic and creative environment. Apprentice will work alongside experienced staff, can gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to various roles.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship

EXCELLENCE-SOLUTIONS LIMITED

( Added 22 Sep 2025 - 5 positions available )

This Content Creator Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working with businesses to build their online presence. As an apprentice, you will learn how to plan, create, and distribute digital content across various platforms, including social media, websites, and email marketing.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

STATESIDE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED

( Added 24 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

As a Content Creator Apprentice at Stateside Distribution, you’ll play a key role in showcasing our product range and building our online community. Collaborating with various teams, you’ll focus on creating engaging TikTok content, hosting live streams, and developing marketing strategies to boost brand visibility.

Closing date: in 4 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Audio-visual apprentice

LIVE WIRE EVENT SOLUTIONS LTD

( Added 25 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Northern Skills is recruiting on behalf of Live Wire event Solutions for an audiovisual apprentice. As an apprentice Live Wire Technician, you’ll work your technical magic in an environment that rewards your dedication with challenge and fulfilment. If you’ve got the skillset, mindset and you’re ready for a rewarding time, apply!

Closing date: in 3 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

SPECTRUM BRANDS (UK) LIMITED

( Added 26 Sep 2025 - 2 positions available )

Do you live and breathe TikTok, Insta Reels, and YouTube Shorts? Always filming, editing, and posting? Happy both behind the camera and in front of it? If you’re the friend who’s always making “scroll-stopping” content, we want YOU on our team!

Closing date: in 10 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

Cultural, learning participation officer apprenticeship

MRS L LUMLEY THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM

( Added 26 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Cultural Learning and Participation Apprentice to support with the behind the scenes set up, planning and monitoring of the National Football Museum’s Learning and Participation Offers. Furthermore, we are looking for someone who will work with colleagues to embed equity and inclusion at the heart of our community work.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 10 Dec 2025

Communications Apprentice

SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY LIMITED

( Added 29 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

The apprenticeship develops HR knowledge and skills while supporting Community Rail. The apprentice will work with the Community Rail Manager to grow engagement across SWR, including producing clear, concise content for case studies and social media to promote roles and partnerships.

Closing date: in 11 days

Possible start date: 14 Sep 2026

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You'll need a high level of dance training and experience. You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award to develop your skills.

Relevant subjects include:

  • professional dance
  • musical theatre
  • dance and choreography

These are offered by dance schools and universities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • to pass an audition

More Information

Work

You could start out as a professional dancer and combine this with an assistant choreographer role.

With further training and experience you could work your way up to become a choreographer.

Volunteering

You may find it useful to get work experience with an established choreographer.

You could also develop your skills by volunteering to choreograph amateur dance club performances.

Direct Application

You may be able to apply for work if you're an experienced professional dancer or dance teacher.

More Information

Career tips

When you're starting out it's good to have a mentor, perhaps someone whose work you admire, to guide you and give you advice.

You can find professional choreographers in the UK Directory of Choreographers.

Observing as many different types of dance to increase your knowledge of dance styles is also useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join One Dance UK for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a choreographer from One Dance UK.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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